Some of the best ways to get to know a community take place beyond its everyday routine. Across central North Carolina, annual festivals transform downtown streets and parks into places where local traditions are celebrated and new memories are made. They also offer an opportunity to discover the people, businesses and welcoming spirit that define each destination. Explore the events waiting in these Certified Retirement Communities to experience another side of central NC.
Jamestown & High Point Area
A community atmosphere paired with metropolitan amenities make the Jamestown & High Point Area the perfect place to make yourself at home. Known as the Home Furnishings Capital of the World, this area is home to a variety of interesting opportunities for events that extend into furnishings and beyond.
- High Point Market: High Point Market brings together home furnishings professionals from around the world each spring and fall, transforming the city into the industry’s largest trade show and design destination.
- Savor High Point: As a showcase of the city’s growing culinary scene, Savor High Point pairs handmade goods, tastings, craft beverages and special dining experiences through local restaurants. Live music and art installations complement the food, culminating in a rich communal experience.
- John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festival: Honoring High Point native John Coltrane, this annual festival brings nationally acclaimed jazz and blues artists together for a weekend of live music celebrating one of NC’s greatest musical legacies.
Laurinburg & Scotland County
Laurinburg in Scotland County is called the “Soul of the Carolinas” for a reason; rich agricultural heritage and proximity to larger cities make Laurinburg a great center point for experiencing NC’s longstanding traditions. Utilizing its heritage, the events near this area reflect Laurinburg’s commitment to a laid-back but “never boring” lifestyle.
- Holly Arts & Crafts Festival: More than 200 artists and craftspeople fill downtown Pinehurst at the Holly Arts & Crafts Festival, featuring handcrafted goods from a wide range of artistic genres. Food vendors and family-friendly activities are paired with local pop-up vendors to shape this longtime holiday tradition.
- Suds & Swine: Downtown Laurinburg comes alive each spring as barbecue teams compete, local breweries pour their best selections and live music keeps the celebration going throughout the weekend.
- John Blue Cotton Festival: The John Blue Cotton Festival brings Scotland County’s agricultural past to life with working demonstrations and historic exhibits that celebrate the region’s farming heritage.
Lumberton
Rich in cultural heritage and outdoor recreation, Lumberton acts as a gateway to the fun traditions that have shaped southeastern NC. The annual events found throughout the area celebrate the region’s local history, agriculture, music and food through a strong sense of community.
- Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair: Every October, the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair showcases the county’s farming traditions through competitions and entertainment that aim to “remember the past while nurturing future generations.”
- May Day Fun Festival: Fairmont has welcomed spring with the May Day Fun Festival, a hometown celebration that fills the streets with entertainment ranging from motorcycle shows to gospel singing.
- Lumbee Homecoming: Lumbee Homecoming celebrates the culture and resilience of the Lumbee Tribe through a week of events that welcome visitors into one of NC’s largest Native American communities.
Reidsville
Located outside of Greensboro’s metro area, Reidsville provides the best of both worlds between small-town charm and big-city attributes. Whether you’re looking for modern fun through food trucks and art or local tradition through pottery, Reidsville’s events offer a glimpse into the local pride that shapes this corner of NC.
- Reidsville FAB Festival: The Reidsville FAB Festival (food trucks, art and brews) comes with a full day of incredible food, drinks, music and nonstop entertainment in the heart of downtown Reidsville.
- Piedmont Pottery Festival: NC’s rich pottery tradition takes center stage in Eden, where visitors can meet skillful ceramic artists and explore work rooted in generations of North Carolinian culture.
- Annual Pow Wow: Hosted by the Guilford Native American Association, the Annual Pow Wow honors Native traditions in Greensboro Country Park while giving young dancers, drummers and artists an opportunity to share their culture with the community.
Roanoke Rapids
Roanoke Rapids’ vibrance does not end at its spectacular natural setting. Mouthwatering dining and Southern charm bleed into the local celebrations and cultures found in the area, with many special opportunities to make for an unforgettable day. There is no better place to capture this than the local festivals and parades that encapsulate the area’s personality:
- NC Bourbon & Spirits Festival: The NC Bourbon & Spirits Festival brings country artists from across the state together for a single day of drinking, live music and bull riding.
- The Roanoke Rapids Christmas Parade: The holiday season officially begins in Roanoke Rapids when festive floats and marching bands make their way through downtown in this longtime local tradition.
- Weldon & Beyond Art Show: Artists from across the region share their work at the Weldon & Beyond Art Show, celebrating the creativity and community found throughout Weldon’s neighboring counties.
Vance County
Centered around Kerr Lake, Vance County offers a relaxed pace where time on the water and a close-knit sense of community go hand in hand. The area’s annual events bring neighbors and visitors together throughout the year, featuring local flavors and live entertainment.
- Show, Shine, Shag & Dine: Classic cars line the streets of downtown Henderson while barbecue and music turn this annual gathering into a celebration of NC’s automotive culture.
- NC Hot Sauce Contest & Festival: Think your taste buds can handle the heat? Oxford’s signature festival invites visitors to sample award-winning sauces from across the state while watching the state’s best recipes compete for top honors.
- Way to GROW! Festival: Inspired by Henderson’s beloved ColorFest tradition, Way to GROW! looks ahead as much as it looks back, encouraging residents and visitors to celebrate local entrepreneurship, creativity and community pride.
From one community to the next, Central NC offers countless opportunities to explore. The next event might even introduce you to a place that feels like home.
For a frequently updated list of events occurring each month throughout NC, see Visit NC’s event calendar.
